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AFC
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Perth Glory may be staring down the barrel of 2020 AFC Champions League elimination, but their players remain in a buoyant mood ahead of Tuesday’s clash at the Education City Stadium at 4pm on Tuesday, against Korea Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai, according to head coach Cristian Ola.
Without a point from their opening two matches, and still without the services of a number of senior players, Perth could be forgiven for feeling pessimistic about their four remaining Group F fixtures, but Ola, who is part of the technical staff led by former Socceroo Richard Garcia, believes the opposite is true.
Perth fielded a legion of new faces in last Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Shanghai Shenhua, with teenagers like Bryce Bafford and 16-year-old Joshua Rawlins receiving their first senior starts for the club in a match which could have gone either way.
Asked how his young charges were adapting to life in the AFC Champions League, Ola revealed his players were thriving under the responsibility thrust upon them in Asia’s premier competition.
“It’s a young squad, and very motivated,” he said.
“Together, they are getting along very well and forming a fantastic group, and for them it’s a fantastic challenge to have. They are very excited every day and every hour in this hub. They’re making the most out of it.”
Perth’s next generation will have to be at their best against the K League runners-up, with Ola confirming his side’s selection options had scarcely improved since their last hit-out.
Goalkeeper Liam Reddy, midfield general Neil Kilkenny and newly signed defender Daryl Lachman are all ruled out according to the club, while veteran striker Andy Keogh couldn’t be included in the squad due to foreign player limits.
In Perth’s favour is the six-day break they have enjoyed since their last match, with Ulsan back in action just 72 hours after their impressive 3-1 win over Shanghai Shenhua.
With four points from two matches, Ulsan can put themselves to within touching distance of the Round of 16 with another three points, while Perth are reaching must-win territory if their maiden AFC Champions League campaign is to last beyond the group stage.
DohA
Perth Glory may be staring down the barrel of 2020 AFC Champions League elimination, but their players remain in a buoyant mood ahead of Tuesday’s clash at the Education City Stadium at 4pm on Tuesday, against Korea Republic’s Ulsan Hyundai, according to head coach Cristian Ola.
Without a point from their opening two matches, and still without the services of a number of senior players, Perth could be forgiven for feeling pessimistic about their four remaining Group F fixtures, but Ola, who is part of the technical staff led by former Socceroo Richard Garcia, believes the opposite is true.
Perth fielded a legion of new faces in last Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Shanghai Shenhua, with teenagers like Bryce Bafford and 16-year-old Joshua Rawlins receiving their first senior starts for the club in a match which could have gone either way.
Asked how his young charges were adapting to life in the AFC Champions League, Ola revealed his players were thriving under the responsibility thrust upon them in Asia’s premier competition.
“It’s a young squad, and very motivated,” he said.
“Together, they are getting along very well and forming a fantastic group, and for them it’s a fantastic challenge to have. They are very excited every day and every hour in this hub. They’re making the most out of it.”
Perth’s next generation will have to be at their best against the K League runners-up, with Ola confirming his side’s selection options had scarcely improved since their last hit-out.
Goalkeeper Liam Reddy, midfield general Neil Kilkenny and newly signed defender Daryl Lachman are all ruled out according to the club, while veteran striker Andy Keogh couldn’t be included in the squad due to foreign player limits.
In Perth’s favour is the six-day break they have enjoyed since their last match, with Ulsan back in action just 72 hours after their impressive 3-1 win over Shanghai Shenhua.
With four points from two matches, Ulsan can put themselves to within touching distance of the Round of 16 with another three points, while Perth are reaching must-win territory if their maiden AFC Champions League campaign is to last beyond the group stage.
